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Occupational dermatoses at a film laboratory
Author(s) -
Lidén Carola
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0536.1989.tb04656.x
Subject(s) - dermatology , occupational exposure , medicine , contact dermatitis , occupational medicine , allergy , environmental health , immunology
The occurrence and causes of occupational dermatoses at a film laboratory following modernization was studied. In 1983 the film laboratory moved to new premises built to reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals. The study was carried out during 1983‐1986 with repeated interviews and dermatological examinations of all employees (78 subjects) and patch testing those with a history of or with current chemical exposure or dermatitis (65 subjects). Of 54 chemically exposed subjects, 34 (63%) had a history of occupational dermatoses, and 12 (22%) were contact allergic to film chemicals. Current, probable occupational dermatoses were observed in 13 subjects ‐ thereof 8 with hand eczema. No new case of occupational skin disease occurred during the investigation period, except for 1 case of ulceration from an acid splash. Petrolatum mixtures of the colour developing agents, Metol and hydroquinone were found most suitable for patch testing, since these chemicals are unstable and/or cause irritation in aqueous solutions. It is concluded that occurrence and severity of occupational dermatoses had been reduced by the technical measures taken to reduce chemical exposure.